NBL’s blockbuster Easter round bonanza

A return to Tasmania and two Good Friday games will highlight a big Easter round of NBL basketball.

Tasmania is set to host its first NBL regular season game since 2005, while Brisbane and Melbourne will play Good Friday games as part of a blockbuster Easter round.

Launceston has been chosen as the location for the New Zealand Breakers’ clash against the Adelaide 36ers.

The April 6 game at the Silverdome will be the first time the NBL has played a regular season game in Tasmania in 16 years.

It will be the first of several games featuring the Breakers in Launceston ahead of the Tasmania JackJumpers’ entry into the Hungry Jack’s NBL for the 2021-22 season.

The Easter round will tip off on Thursday April 1 when the Illawarra Hawks play the Sydney Kings at the WIN Entertainment Centre, followed by the Perth Wildcats versus the Breakers at RAC Arena later that day.

There will be another double-header on Good Friday when Melbourne United plays the Cairns Taipans at John Cain Arena, followed by the Brisbane Bullets versus the South East Melbourne Phoenix at Nissan Arena.

The Tasmania JackJumpers’ new mascot for next year's NBL season. Picture: Zak Simmonds

The NBL will play 27 games in 18 consecutive days across rounds 12-14, including four games featuring the Breakers at the Silverdome in Launceston.

NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger is excited for the NBL to return to Tasmania just months before the JackJumpers’ debut season.

“These games will give Tasmanians a chance to enjoy world-class sport and entertainment over the coming weeks and get a taste of what’s to come when they have their own team in the NBL from next season,” Loeliger said.

“We also thank the Breakers for their flexibility during what is a challenging season for the whole club.

“They are a critical part of the NBL family, and we thank their players, coaches, staff, families and fans for their support.”

The Brisbane Bullets will host the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Good Friday. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Loeliger said it was also a win to have the NBL back at Easter this year, including two games on Good Friday in Melbourne and Brisbane.

“We hope to see lots of families get along and enjoy what should be a great long weekend of basketball,” he said.

“It’s going to be a feast of NBL in April with 27 games across 18 days without a break right around Australia, and it’s a great opportunity for fans to get out and support their teams.”

Round 11 of the 2020-21 Hungry Jack’s NBL season begins this Thursday when the Breakers play Melbourne United at Bendigo Stadium from 7:30pm AEDT.

Originally published as NBL’s blockbuster Easter round bonanza